Can a Roller Shutter Work in a Power Cut? Battery Backup Explained

Power cuts are rare, but they always seem to happen at the worst time: just before opening, at closing time, or during a storm when a business is left exposed. If you rely on an electric roller shutter, it is worth knowing in advance what will happen when the power goes off.

What happens to an electric shutter in a power cut?

An electric roller shutter is driven by a motor that needs mains power. When the power goes, the motor stops and the shutter stays where it is. The curtain will not drop by itself on a properly working shutter, because the motor's brake holds it in place. To move it, you need either a manual override or a backup power supply.

Manual override options

• Winding handle or crank. Common on tubular motors. A handle fits into the motor head so the curtain can be wound up or down by hand.
• Hand chain. Common on larger industrial doors. A chain loop lets the door be raised or lowered manually.
• Manual release. Some systems release the brake so a balanced curtain can be lifted by hand. This must only be used as the manufacturer intends.

Make sure staff know where the override is and how to use it safely. On many shops, the override is inside the building, so if the shutter is closed and the power fails, you may need an alternative way in or an engineer.

What is a battery backup?

A battery backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a unit wired between the mains supply and the shutter's motor and controls. When the mains fails, it switches over to battery power so the shutter can carry on working for a limited number of open and close cycles. When the power returns, the batteries recharge.

When a battery backup is worth it

• your premises would be left insecure if the shutter could not be closed;
• the only way in is through the shutter;
• the shutter is large or heavy and hard to operate manually;
• you are in an area with frequent power interruptions;
• you run a business where the shutter must open on time, such as a pharmacy or a site with deliveries at set times.

Sizing a backup correctly

The backup must match the motor's power draw and the number of cycles you need. A small tubular motor on a shop shutter needs far less capacity than a large three-phase industrial door. Batteries also wear out over time, so they need testing and periodic replacement as part of servicing.

Fire shutters are different

Fire shutters must close safely if the power fails or the fire alarm activates. They are designed with their own fail-safe arrangements, often including battery backup and controlled gravity closing. These systems must be maintained and tested regularly. Read more in our guide to fire rated serving hatch shutters.

Be prepared before the next power cut

1. Find your manual override and check it works.
2. Keep the winding handle somewhere staff can reach it.
3. Think about how you would get in if the shutter was closed.
4. Consider a battery backup if security or access is critical.

Talk to us about backup power

We fit and service electric roller shutters, manual overrides and battery backup units across Glasgow, Hillington, Paisley and Renfrew. We will check what your shutter has, show your staff how the override works and recommend a correctly sized backup if you need one.